SpaceX is poised to launch its sixth Starship test flight by November 18, building on the impressive momentum generated by the recent successful mission just under a month ago.
The reduced post-flight cadence is partly attributed to its success, which comprised – notably, the massive “chopstick” arms jutting from the launch tower caught it mid-air – and a precise, on-target splashdown after suborbital flight of the Starship higher stage in the Indian Ocean.
This sixth take a look at shares numerous similar goals, which led the Federal Aviation Administration to simultaneously approve flights 5 and 6 last month. Prior to this milestone, SpaceX had traditionally sought regulatory clearance several months in advance of each Starship launch.
On November 18, SpaceX intends to replicate its previous achievements by successfully landing the booster at the launch site and conducting a precise Starship splashdown. The corporation will proceed to verify and refine the thermal protection and reentry procedures for upper-stage entry, “aiming to expand the capabilities of ship and booster systems and bring us closer to achieving full-system reuse.” Additionally, numerous upgrades were implemented, including enhanced redundancy in the booster’s propulsion system, updated software controls, and other modifications.
Spacex plans to attempt to relight one of the six Raptor engines on orbit, a crucial capability that will enable the reusability of the Starship’s upper stage in future missions. Engineers will rigorously test this stage using various methodologies as necessary: The corporation will examine novel secondary thermal safeguarding solutions. According to the corporation, “The aircraft will intentionally adjust its approach angle in the final stage of descent, applying stress to flap control systems to gather data for improved landing performance.”
The culmination of this rigorous testing regime will see “vital enhancements” to the spacecraft, commencing with flight seven, which will introduce cutting-edge innovations such as reconfigured flaps, increased propellant tank capacities, and state-of-the-art thermal protection measures.
The dwell webcast of the review will commence approximately 30 minutes prior to the 30-minute launch window at 1:30 p.m.? The live feed of the PT, potentially accessible via X or SpaceX’s website. This afternoon’s launch window, opening at 4:00 p.m., Native Texans will enjoy enhanced viewing opportunities for the spacecraft’s reentry, according to SpaceX.
